There are “niches” in snowsports that get little attention to their problems and issues but still play an important role. The issues may never really get the attention they deserve or they may suddenly be in the spotlight. The Foundation can bring attention to problems in snowsports that get under-recognized and help smooth out the down times. For 2010-2011, the Foundation will focus on two “niche” subjects – women’s ski jumping and snowsports safety.

Women’s ski jumping (WSJ) has been striving to get into the Olympics since before 2006. Despite the positive recommendation of the FIS to put it in the Olympic curriculum for Vancouver 2010, the IOC elected otherwise. But in August 2010, the IOC said it looked favorably on entry into the Olympics but wanted to defer a decision until roughly April 2011. This will be after the World Championships in Oslo in February. And the umbrella organization for jumping’s national governing body, the U. S. Ski and Snowboard Association, has denied funding until women’s jumping is in the Olympics. This Catch-22 situation leaves WSJUSA to its own resources to conduct the 2010-2011 season (international jumping competitions began in August) and especially the World Championships. The IOC will be watching those championships very intently and they can affect the subsequent decision by the IOC.

For a comprehensive information source on USA women’s ski jumping go to www.wsjusa.com. The story is there in detail along with current news releases and some great videos. A film is being developed and its progress can be seen at http://www.readytoflyfilm.com/. And to borrow the banner from that developing film, let’s just say that U. S. women jumpers are … Ready to fly!

Safety is our second niche issue. Contributions made to support safety will focus on programs of eye and skin health, courtesy and safety on the slopes and the dissemination and publication of safety education materials.